Recursion Studio: Professional Visuals for Live Performers
Interactive HD visuals made easy
3,4 / 5,0 | 
Recursion Studio: Professional Visuals for Live Performers · Source: Liquid Sky Artistcollective
The new hardware Recursion Studio from Entropy & Sons is an unusual new instrument that uses video synthesis to create images from audio signals. It is designed as a standalone platform for creating professional HD visuals without a computer. Housed in its own enclosure with a touchscreen and other hardware controls, it delivers real-time output of interactive, high-resolution 1080p visuals via HDMI. This visual synthesizer is characterized by its semi-modular structure, which currently includes approximately 270 modules that are continuously being developed.
Recursion Studio: Real-time Video Generator Using Audio Signals
The core of the Recursion Studio platform consists of four main tools, each offering a different visual approach. Of particular note is FRAXTAL, a unique fractal feedback simulator that integrates the mathematical concepts of classic fractals such as Mandelbrot and Julia sets into visual design. This approach makes it possible to create fascinating and complex images. In addition to FRAXTAL, there is INTERFERENCE, a 2D wavefront interference simulator, as well as WAVIBOI and WAVIGRL, which can display oscilloscope renderings in 1D, 2D or 3D. Sounds exciting!
The system allows you to manipulate modules via the graphical user interface or external controls such as faders, knobs, and the highly responsive touchscreen. Of particular interest is the ability to control modules and their parameters directly via CV inputs or MIDI controllers. Audio inputs can be used to analyze beats, extract BPM information, or trigger events in the synthesizer. This allows Recursion Studio to create audio-reactive visuals that are particularly impressive in a live context.
Endless Creativity – HD Visuals Made Easy
A versatile patch management system lets you save and reuse complex setups. Patches can also be split into sections for flexible combination of different visual elements. The mapping of input signals to various parameters is extremely powerful, allowing external signals to be seamlessly integrated into the visual experience. This means that Recursion Studio can function as part of a larger, modular video setup with advanced input and output options.
External devices can be connected via USB ports, which can be used for both MIDI devices and video inputs. An HDMI-to-USB adapter allows the integration of external video sources so that Recursion Studio can be used as part of a larger video project. In addition to importing images and textures, Recursion Studio will soon be able to process video clips and NDI signals, and future updates will expand its capabilities even further.
The Future of Video Art?
Thanks to the modular approach, the pre-built networks of instruments are highly customizable. Each instrument can be customized by swapping out individual modules and adjusting parameters without interrupting the flow of the overall system. The synth allows both simple operation in “PLAY” mode for experimental exploration, and deeper intervention in “CREATE” mode to create your own visually unique compositions.
Recursion Studio is aimed at artists and performers looking for a tool that can be used for everything from spontaneous live performances to detailed, well-thought-out video and art productions. With its high-quality workmanship and flexible application possibilities, it is not only a powerful piece of hardware in the creative process, but also a platform that will continue to open up new possibilities for audiovisual art in the years to come. It is a truly interesting concept that we will continue to monitor.
More information about Entropy & Sons
You can buy Recursion Studio by Entropy & Sons here at the Liquid Sky Artistcollective Shop for €1429.00 (including VAT) or at their web shop in the US.
- Entropy & Sons Website
- More about Entropy & Sons
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One response to “Recursion Studio: Professional Visuals for Live Performers”
We would run the Electric Sheep screen saver through a projector close to 15 years ago. Pros – It actually had better graphics than this. If connected to the internet, it would continuously download new “sheep” to add to the screen saver. It was free.
Cons – It didn’t respond to music like this.
I’d still take Electric Sheep